[Year 12 IT Apps] System Flow Charts

[Mark Kelly]

Thanks Robert.  Hmmm.  I've seen several references to system flowcharts 
that make them indistinguishable from DFDs.

e.g.

http://encyclopedia.farlex.com/_/viewer.aspx?path=hut&name=c00995.jpg

And answers.com defines...

"data flow diagram (′dad·ə ¦flō ′dī·ə′gram)
(computer science) A chart that traces the movement of data in a 
computer system and shows how the data is to be processed, using circles 
to represent data. Also known as bubble chart; system flowchart. "

Then one can call Level 0 DFDs 'context diagrams' just to make it all 
the more fun. e.g.

http://hsc.csu.edu.au/ipt/project_work/3287/design_tools.htm

(The difference is apparently: "Context diagrams do not have storage. 
DFDs will always have storage."

That page goes on to say:

'A system flowchart describes the flow of data and the logic through a 
system and shows similar details to a data flow diagram. However a 
system flowchart will place much more emphasis on the source media and 
will use different symbols for different types of media and processes.

"System flowcharts are a diagrammatic way of representing both the flow 
of data and logic through an information system. They were once the 
primary tool for documenting systems; however, data flow diagrams are 
often used instead. Standard flowcharting symbols are used along with 
symbols for representing physical devices that capture, store and 
display data. Many of these symbols have become out of date as a result 
of changes in technology. "   HSC Information Processes and Technology: 
Software and Course Specifications", 2001, page 8'

It seems to me that system flow charts and DFDs are VERY closely 
related... it makes me wonder how the study design can say one is 
logical and the other is physical.

I would recommend that the next study design's glossary is clearer on 
defining such subtle differences... including the effective difference 
between the SDLC and the Problem Solving Methodology  :-)


Timmer-Arends wrote:
> Hello Mark
> 
> according to three references I have (all circa 1990), and quoting from 
> one of them "a systems flow chart documents the equipment used to enter 
> data...the processes that will take place...the files that will be 
> used...and the reports that will be produced".
> 
> All the examples use specific symbols to represent not only processes 
> and decisions, but also printer outputs, keyboard input, disk storage 
> and so on.
> 
> A couple of scanned examples attached.
> 
> Regards
> Robert T-A
> Brighton SC
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Kelly" <kel at mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au>
> To: "Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List" 
> <itapps at edulists.com.au>
> Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2007 12:38 PM
> Subject: [Year 12 IT Apps] System Flow Charts
> 
> 
>> Hi all.  Here's a curly one for you.
>>
>> The study design's glossary includes "system flow charts" as an 
>> example of a physical design tool.
>>
>> However, as I understand it, a SYSTEM flow chart is basically another 
>> name for a DFD, which is declared by the glossary as being a logical 
>> design tool.  It describes the flow of information through a system.
>>
>> And please don't confuse a SYSTEM flow chart with a regular flowchart, 
>> sometimes called a PROGRAM flow chart - the one with decisions in 
>> diamond shapes etc.  It describes the actions and decisions in an 
>> algorithm.
>>
>> System flow charts are not the same as program flow charts!
>>
>> Anyone with 2c to spend?
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> Mark
>>
>>
>> -- 
>> Mark Kelly
>> Manager - Information Systems
>> McKinnon Secondary College
>> McKinnon Rd, McKinnon 3204, Victoria, Australia
>> Direct line / Voicemail: 8520 9085
>> School Phone +613 8520 9000, Fax +613 95789253
>> kel AT mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
>>
>> Webmaster - http://www.mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
>> IT Lecture notes: http://vceit.com
>> Moderator: IT Applications Mailing List
>>
>> 1. Education is an admirable thing, but remember that nothing that is 
>> worth knowing can be taught - Oscar Wilde
>> 2. I make trouble.  You want some?
>>
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> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-- 
Mark Kelly
Manager - Information Systems
McKinnon Secondary College
McKinnon Rd, McKinnon 3204, Victoria, Australia
Direct line / Voicemail: 8520 9085
School Phone +613 8520 9000, Fax +613 95789253
kel AT mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au

Webmaster - http://www.mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
IT Lecture notes: http://vceit.com
Moderator: IT Applications Mailing List

1. Education is an admirable thing, but remember that nothing that is 
worth knowing can be taught - Oscar Wilde
2. I make trouble.  You want some?